04/27/2015

Texas immigration bills imperiled by time constraints, friction within GOP

Tom Benning of The Dallas Morning News reports that the immigration bills filed in Texas this legislative session "could fade away with a whimper." This excellent article examines the back story on these bills, and provides this summary:

AT A GLANCE: WHERE 3 KEY MEASURES STAND

1. Repeal of tuition law: Seeks to change the 2001 law that allows some students who are in the country illegally to pay college tuition at in-state rates.

Status: Out of Senate committee. May not have enough votes to be heard on Senate floor. No House committee hearing scheduled.

2. “Sanctuary cities” bill: Would bar local rules that prohibit police from asking the immigration status of people they stop.

Status: Out of Senate committee. May not have enough votes to be heard on Senate floor. No House committee hearing scheduled.

3. Interstate border security compact: Would potentially allow Texas and other states to enforce federal immigration laws — and perhaps to create their own border security force.

Status: Out of Senate committee. Prospects in full Senate unclear. No House committee hearing scheduled.